Core-shell microcompartments in microfluidics enable quorum sensing as a native biomarker for precision microorganism sorting

High-throughput sorting of microorganisms from genetic libraries is crucial for various bi- ological applications, yet existing methods often rely on exogenous markers or bulk-scale measurements that fail to capture the intricate dynamics of cellular communication. Quorum sensing, a ubiquitous intercellular communication mechanism, offers a universal signal for sorting but requires close cell proximity, and coculturing different species is constrained by interspecies competition. We address these challenges by employing core-shell microcompart- ments in microfluidics that spatially segregate microbial species while supporting controlled coculture. Through encapsulation, species such as Escherichia coli , Synechococcus elongatus , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are immobilized in distinct core or shell compartments, creating a controlled microenvironment for intercellular communication. By integrating this system into a microfluidic workflow, we achieve unprecedented levels of precision and scalability, enabling the real-time detection and sorting of microorganisms based on their native communication pathways. This approach leverages the unique synergy between core-shell microcompartments and microfluidics, offering a versatile platform for high-throughput cell sorting with minimal genetic modification, greatly enhancing the use of quorum sensing as a natural biomarker for precise microorganism screening.